Following Thomas

I believe 95% of my readers are Latter-Day Saints (Mormons). For those who are not, bear with me on this blog post as I try to eloquently explain a few things about my church.

My church was founded by a man who I deem to be a prophet of God. A mouthpiece, if you will, for the heavens. Before his demise by assassins in 1844, he left a framework in place that would ensure that the proper person replaced him as the leader of the Church. The president of the remaining apostles would lead the Church until a unified, inspired decision could be made as to the successor. And so it has continued like this through the years until today. Thomas S. Monson is now our prophet, seer, and revelator. He is the mouthpiece for God on the earth today.

As such, I would follow any counsel or advice given to me from this wonderful man. And it's not that I would follow him blindly. I have a right to know for myself if what he is asking me to do is right, through the promptings of the Holy Spirit. That said, I am sure that Thomas Monson has "opinions" on many things. Opinions that might not necessarily be something he would give as doctrine from a pulpit, as he and every other human are entitled to.

Now here's my point. When Thomas S. Monson speaks from the pulpit in his official capacity as "Prophet of God", I don't take it lightly. When Thomas S. Monson asks members of the Church to become politically active in regards to a specific item on California's ballot, it should not be taken lightly. D&C 1: 38 "...whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants [prophets], it is the same."

But when you take a position that is exactly opposite of a Prophet of God, you are on dangerous ground. In the past month, I have seen friends taking opposing sides to our prophet. Spouting vitriol and anger at the man they once believed in, and the quorums of men they supported with an upheld right hand. "Shaking their fists in directions a fist should never be shaken." (thanks for the quote, Justin!)

Our Church doesn't change its standards. It never has. It never will. It's a beacon in troubled times. A firm standard in places where values shift with nothing more than a slight breeze. You're either on the train, or watching it pass by. All aboard!!!